Spectacle-type wireless communicator

ABSTRACT

A glasses-type radio communication device ( 1 ) to be worn on the head of a user includes: left and right eyepiece parts ( 11 ), temples ( 14 ), an antenna ( 100 ) for carrying out a radio communication, hinges ( 17 ) each provided for folding each of the temples ( 14 ) towards a corresponding one of the eyepiece parts ( 11 ), while one of the temples ( 14 ) being folded towards a corresponding one of the eyepiece parts ( 11 ), the temple ( 14 ) having a shape in which the temple curves so as to be away from the antenna ( 100 ) provided in an outer edge region along an outer edge of the eyepiece part ( 11 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a glasses-type radio communicationdevice.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, it has been developed an electronic device having anappearance of glasses such as (i) 3D glasses for watching 3D television,(ii) 3D glasses for enjoying 3D game, or (iii) a glasses-type head mountdisplay. Such an electronic device may include an antenna so as to carryout radio communication.

Examples of a conventional glasses-type radio communication device,having an antenna, encompass a device in which an antenna is provided ina frame of glasses (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). For example,Patent Literature 1 discloses a pair of variable-focal length glasses inwhich an antenna is provided in its frame.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [Patent Literature 1]-   Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukai, No. 2002-214545 A    (Publication Date: Jul. 31, 2002)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, according to a conventional glasses-type radio communicationdevice, its antenna characteristics may deteriorate when the radiocommunication device is closed (folded).

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of how antennas are provided ina conventional radio communication device. (a) of FIG. 9 is aperspective view illustrating a state (opening state) of the radiocommunication device which is in an opening state (a state in which afirst antenna 91 and a second antenna 92 are away from each other). (b)of FIG. 9 is a top view of the radio communication device illustrated in(a) of FIG. 9. (c) of FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state(folded state) of the radio communication device which is in a foldedstate (a state in which the first antenna 91 and the second antenna 92are close to each other). (d) of FIG. 9 is a top view of the radiocommunication device illustrated in (c) of FIG. 9.

According to the radio communication device, the first antenna 91 andthe second antenna 92 are connected to each other, via a power feed line93 (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 9). In a case where a radio communication iscarried out while the radio communication device is being folded at thepower feed line 93 such that the first antenna 91 and the second antenna92 are close to each other (see (c) and (d) of FIG. 9), the firstantenna 91 and the second antenna 92 are capacitively coupled to eachother.

The capacitive coupling of the first antenna 91 and the second antenna92 in a folded state may cause antenna characteristics of the firstantenna 91 and the second antenna 92 to move (shift) towards a frequencyband lower or higher than a frequency band in an opening state. Thiscauses a problem that good characteristics cannot be obtained, during afolded state, in a use frequency band of the antennas, and ultimatelycauses a deterioration in antenna characteristics.

The problem will be further discussed below with reference to FIG. 10.FIG. 10 illustrates an example of how antennas are arranged in aconventional glasses-type radio communication device. (a) of FIG. 10 isa side view of a glasses-type radio communication device in a case whereit is in an opening state (opening state) (temples 14 and respectiverims 12 are away from each other). (b) of FIG. 10 is a top view of theglasses-type radio communication device in the opening state. (c) ofFIG. 10 is a side view of the glasses-type radio communication device ina case where it is in a folded state (folded state) (the temples 14 andthe respective rims 12 are close to each other). (d) is a top view ofthe glasses-type radio communication device in the folded state. Notethat, for convenience, the rims 12 are not illustrated in (b) of FIG. 10and (d) of FIG. 10. As illustrated in (b) and (d) of FIG. 10, theglasses-type radio communication device includes a first antenna 94 anda second antenna 95, like the radio communication device illustrated inFIG. 9. The first antenna 94 is provided in a rim 12 on a right side andthe second antenna 95 is provided in a temple 14 on a right side. Thefirst antenna 94 and the second antenna 95 are electrically connectedwith each other, via an endpiece 16 and a hinge 17. Note that theendpiece 16 and the hinge 17 do not have to electrically connect thefirst antenna 94 and the second antenna 95. Note also that it is onlynecessary that one of the first antenna 94 and the second antenna 95 isincluded. In this case, it is preferable that one of the rim 12 and thetemple 14 in which one no first antenna 94 or no second antenna 95 isprovided, is made of an electric conductor such as a metal.

In a case where a radio communication is carried out while theglasses-type radio communication device is being folded (see (c) and (d)of FIG. 10), the first antenna 94 and the second antenna 95, like theradio communication device of FIG. 9, interfere with each other and arecapacitively coupled with each other. This causes antennacharacteristics of each of the first antenna 94 and the second antenna95 to shift towards a frequency band lower or higher than a frequencyband in an opening state. Therefore, good characteristics cannot beobtained in the use frequency bands of the respective antennas.

The deterioration in antenna characteristics will be further discussedbelow with reference to (d) of FIG. 10. In a case where the firstantenna 94 and the second antenna 95 are located linearly and inparallel to each other, capacitive coupling occurs and an amount of suchcapacitive coupling is proportional to the product of a capacitycoefficient C and a voltage, provided that an electric field generatedbetween the first antenna 94 and the second antenna 95 is uniform. Thecapacity coefficient C is represented by the following equation:

C=∈0×L×A/D  (1)

where L is a length of an overlapping part in which the first antenna 94and the second antenna 95 overlap in a folded state (amount ofoverlapping of the first and second antennas 94 and 95 in an X axisdirection), A is a width of the overlapping part (amount of theoverlapping in a Z axis direction), D is a distance between the temple14 and the rim 12, and ∈0 is a dielectric constant in a vacuum.

Note that, since the distance D between the temple 14 and the rim 12 inthe equation (1) is equal to a depth T of the endpiece 16 (a length in Yaxis direction), D=T. Note also that, since a distance W between an endcover 15 and the rim 12 in a folded state is determined by a depth ofthe endpiece 16, W=T.

Since the voltage is constant, the amount of capacitive coupling betweenthe first antenna 94 and the second antenna 95 changes in accordancewith a change in the capacity coefficient C shown in the equation (1).Accordingly, as the capacity coefficient C increases, the amount ofcapacitive coupling between the first antenna 94 and the second antenna95 increases. The increase in the amount of capacitive coupling causesantenna characteristics of each of the first antenna 94 and the secondantenna 95 to shift towards a frequency band lower or higher than afrequency band in an opening state. Therefore, good characteristicscannot be obtained in the use frequency bands of the respectiveantennas.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and amain object of the present invention is to provide a glasses-type radiocommunication device having good antenna characteristics in a foldedstate.

Solution to Problem

In order to attain the object, a glasses-type radio communication deviceof the present invention is a glasses-type radio communication device tobe worn on the head of a user, including: left and right eyepiece parts;temples each provided to be hooked on the ears of the user; anantenna(s) for carrying out a radio communication; and hinges eachprovided for folding each of the temples towards a corresponding one ofthe eyepiece parts, either (i) an antenna being provided in an outeredge region along an outer edge of one of the eyepiece parts and anantenna being provided in a corresponding one of the temples or (ii) anantenna being provided in one of (a) the outer edge region along theouter edge of the eyepiece part and (b) the temple, whereas an electricconductor being provided in the other, while the temple is being foldedtowards the eyepiece part, the temple having a shape in which the templecurves so as to be away from the antenna or the electric conductorprovided in the outer edge region.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A glasses-type radio communication device of the present invention is aglasses-type radio communication device to be worn on the head of auser, including: left and right eyepiece parts; temples each provided tobe hooked on the ears of the user; an antenna(s) for carrying out aradio communication; and hinges each provided for folding each of thetemples towards a corresponding one of the eyepiece parts, either (i) anantenna being provided in an outer edge region along an outer edge ofone of the eyepiece parts and an antenna being provided in acorresponding one of the temples or (ii) an antenna being provided inone of (a) the outer edge region along the outer edge of the eyepiecepart and (b) the temple, whereas an electric conductor being provided inthe other, while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part,the temple having a shape in which the temple curves so as to be awayfrom the antenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edgeregion.

It is therefore possible to prevent, while the temple is being foldedtowards the eyepiece part, a deterioration in antenna characteristics ina use frequency band of the antenna(s) of the glasses-type radiocommunication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating an example of a configuration of aglasses-type radio communication device.

(a) of FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a glasses-type radiocommunication device in an opening state. (b) of FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview illustrating the glasses-type radio communication device in afolded state.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an eyeglasses-type radiocommunication device.

FIG. 4 is an XY plan view of a glasses-type radio communication device.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a modification of a configuration of aglasses-type radio communication device. (a) of FIG. 5 is a perspectiveview illustrating the glasses-type radio communication device in anopening state. (b) of FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating theglasses-type radio communication device in a folded state. (c) of FIG. 5is a top view illustrating the glasses-type radio communication devicein a folded state.

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating another modification of aconfiguration of a glasses-type radio communication device.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a further modification of aconfiguration of a glasses-type radio communication device.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating still a further modification of aconfiguration of a glasses-type radio communication device. (a) of FIG.8 is a front perspective view illustrating the glasses-type radiocommunication device in an opening state. (b) of FIG. 8 is a rearperspective view illustrating the glasses-type radio communicationdevice in an opening state. (c) of FIG. 8 is a view illustrating theglasses-type radio communication device in a folded state seen from auser.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a configuration of aconventional radio communication device. (a) of FIG. 9 is a perspectiveview illustrating the conventional radio communication device in anopening state. (b) of FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating the conventionalradio communication device in an opening state. (c) of FIG. 9 is aperspective view illustrating the conventional radio communicationdevice in a folded state. (d) of FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating theconventional radio communication device in a folded state.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating another example of a configuration of aconventional glasses-type radio communication device. (a) of FIG. 10 isa side view illustrating the conventional glasses-type radiocommunication device in an opening state. (b) of FIG. 10 is a top viewillustrating the conventional glasses-type radio communication device inan opening state. (c) of FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating theconventional glasses-type radio communication device in a folded state.(d) of FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the conventional glasses-typeradio communication device in a folded state.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following description will discuss, in detail, embodiments of thepresent invention. A glasses-type radio communication device of thepresent invention has an appearance of glasses and is to be worn on thehead of a user. The glasses-type radio communication device of thepresent invention is not limited to a particular one, provided that itcarries out a radio communication. The glasses-type radio communicationdevice of the present invention is applicable to various uses such as 3Dglasses, a head mount display, a headset, a radio receiver, and apersonal identification device.

Embodiment 1

An embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7.

(Outline of Glasses-Type Radio Communication Device 1)

The following description will first discuss an outline of aglasses-type radio communication device 1 in accordance with Embodiment1 with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating theglasses-type radio communication device 1 of Embodiment 1. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the glasses-type radio communication device 1 hasan appearance of glasses and includes eyepiece parts 11, rims 12, abridge 13, temples 14, end covers 15, endpieces 16, hinges 17, pads 18,and pad arms 19.

The eyepiece parts 11 are optical elements to be provided in front ofrespective right and left eyes. Examples of the eyepiece parts 11encompass glasses-type lenses. The eyepiece parts 11 may be incorporatedinto a display for displaying images, such as an LCD (liquid crystaldisplay) or a retinal scanning display.

The rims 12 are holding members that surround and hold the respectiveeyepiece parts 11. The rims 12 do not necessarily have to entirelyprotect the outer edges of the respective eyepiece parts 11. As such,the rims 12 may protect substantially half or part of the respectiveouter edges of the eyepiece sections 11. Furthermore, the glasses-typeradio communication device 1 does not necessarily have to include therims 12.

The bridge 13 is a connecting member for making a connection between theright and left eyepiece parts 11. The bridge 13 connects, via the rims12 or directly, the right and left eyepiece parts 11 such that theeyepiece parts 11 are located in respective predetermined positions.

Each of the temples 14 is a member including an ear-hook and is alsocalled an earpiece. According to some temples 14, a part, which is incontact with a user's ear, is covered with a covering member, which isreferred to as an end cover 15.

Each of the endpieces 16 is a connecting member for connecting acorresponding eyepiece part 11 and a corresponding temple 14. Each ofthe endpieces 16 is provided in a region along an outer edge of theeyepiece part 11. Each of the endpieces 16 can be integrated with acorresponding rim 12 or can be independently connected to the eyepiecepart.

Each of the hinges 17 is an opening/closing member for allowing acorresponding temple 14 to be folded towards the eyepiece parts 11 andother members. Each of the hinges 17 is provided between a correspondingendpiece 16 and a corresponding temple 14.

Each of the pads 18 is a member to contact the nose of a user.

Each of the pad arms 19 is a connecting member connecting acorresponding pad 18 to a corresponding eyepiece part 11. The pad arms19 connect, via the rims 12 or directly, the pads 18 to the eyepieceparts 11 such that the pads 18 and the eyepiece parts 11 are located inrespective predetermined positions. The glasses-type radio communicationdevice 1 does not necessarily have to include the pad arms 19. In such acase, the pads 18 can be directly connected to the eyepiece parts 11 orthe rims 12.

The above-described components may be made of materials identical tothose for typical glasses. Note, however, that Embodiment 1 is notlimited to this. Examples of a material for the rims 12, the bridge 13,and the temples 14 include, but are not limited to, metals (such astitanium, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys,nickel-chromium alloys, and stainless steel) and plastic (such as epoxyresin, celluloid, acetate, and polyamide).

(Configuration of Glasses-Type Radio Communication Device 1)

Next, a configuration of the glasses-type radio communication device 1will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a topview illustrating the glasses-type radio communication device 1 which isin a folded state (a temple 14 and a corresponding eyepiece part 11 areclose to each other) (folded state). (a) of FIG. 2 is a perspective viewillustrating the glasses-type radio communication device 1 which is inan opening state (the temple 14 and the corresponding eyepiece part 11are away from each other) (opening state). (b) of FIG. 2 is aperspective view illustrating the glasses-type radio communicationdevice 1 which is in a folded state. Note that, for convenience, atemple 14 on a left side is not illustrated. Note also that FIGS. 1 and2 deal with a glasses-type radio communication device which includes norim 12. Note, however, that Embodiment 1 is not limited to this. Theglasses-type radio communication device can be configured so as toinclude rims 12.

The glasses-type radio communication device 1 includes an antenna 100and an antenna 110 each carrying out a radio communication (see FIG. 2).As illustrated in FIG. 2, the antenna 100 is provided in an outer edgeregion along an outer edge of one of the eyepiece parts 11, which regionis located on an upper part of the eyepiece part 11. The antenna 110 isprovided in a corresponding one of the temples 14. An endpiece 16 and ahinge 17 are each made of an electric conductor such as metal. Theantenna 100 and the antenna 110 are electrically connected with eachother, via the endpiece 16 and the hinge 17. Note that the outer edge ofthe eyepiece part 11 indicates an outer edge of a surface which faces aneye of a user. Note also that the endpiece 16 and the hinge 17 do notnecessarily have to electrically connect the antenna 100 and the antenna110.

The temple 14 is provided so as to curve along a circle between (i) oneend of the temple 14 on an endpiece 16 side (a part connected to theendpiece 16, i.e., the hinge 17) and (ii) the other end of the temple 14which is opposite to the end on the endpiece 16 side (an end of the endcover 15 which is opposite to the other end on a hinge 17 side) suchthat the temple 14 is away from the antenna 100 in a folded state (seeFIG. 1). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the temple 14 isprovided so as to form a convex curve towards a Y axis positivedirection from segment ab, where (i) an end a is the end of the endcover 15 which is opposite to the other end on the hinge 17 side, (ii)an end b is the end of the temple 14 on the endpiece 16 side, and (iii)the segment ab is a line connecting the end a and the end b. That is,the temple 14 is provided so as to form a convex curve from the eyepiecepart 11 towards a user (the Y axis positive direction). This satisfiesD<F, where D is a distance between the antenna 100 and the segment aband F is the distance between the antenna 100 and a position of thetemple 14 which is farthest from the eyepiece part 11.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the endpiece 16 of the glasses-typeradio communication device 1 has a depth (length in a Y axis direction)of T. Since a distance W, secured between the end cover 15 and theeyepiece part 11 in a folded state, is determined by the depth of theendpiece 16, W=T. Note that the depth T of the endpiece 16 is the sameas the distance D which is the distance between the antenna 100 and thesegment ab. Therefore, T=D.

(Capacity Coefficient of Glasses-Type Radio Communication Device 1)

Next, a capacity coefficient of the glasses-type radio communicationdevice will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an XYplan view of the glasses-type radio communication device 1 illustratedin FIG. 1. Note that, for convenience, the end cover 15 is notillustrated in FIG. 4.

As shown by arrows in FIG. 4, electric field in the glasses-type radiocommunication device 1 is small at both ends of the temple 14 and largeat around the center part of the temple 14. The electric field in theglasses-type radio communication device 1 is thus not uniform.Therefore, a capacity coefficient C of the antenna 100 and the antenna110 cannot be found by the foregoing equation (1).

In view of the circumstances, an average distance D′ is found. Theaverage distance D′ is, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an average of adistance between the antenna 110 (the temple 14) itself and points onthe antenna 100 (the eyepiece part 11).

In a case where a shape of the temple 14 is represented as y=f(x), anarea S of a region, which is surrounded by the endpiece 16, the temple14, and the antenna 100, can be represented as the following equation:

S=∫ ₀ ^(L) f(x)dx

Note that “L” of the above equation represents a length of anoverlapping part in which the antenna 100 and the antenna 110 overlap ina folded state (amount of overlapping of the antenna 100 and the antenna110 in an X axis direction).

The average distance D′ can be represented as D′=S/L. Note here that theaverage distance D′ needs to be longer than the distance D for thepurpose of reducing the capacity coefficient C between the antenna 100and the antenna 110. Thus, D′>D. That is, in the glasses-type radiocommunication device 1, each of the temples 14 needs to be provided soas to have a shape which satisfies D′>D.

By thus providing the temples 14, it is possible to reduce, in a foldedstate, the capacity coefficient C of the glasses-type radiocommunication device 1. As such, it is possible to reduce, in a foldedstate, the amount of capacitive coupling between the antennas of theglasses-type radio communication device 1. This allows a reduction inamount of shift, which amount is generated by the shifting of antennacharacteristics of the respective antennas toward a lower frequency or ahigher frequency as compared with that in an opening state. It istherefore possible to prevent a deterioration in antenna characteristicsof the antennas 100 and 110 in use frequency bands of the respectiveantennas 100 and 110, when the glasses-type radio communication device 1is in a folded state.

The above description has discussed an example where the antenna 100 isprovided on the upper part of the eyepiece part 11 (see FIG. 2). Note,however, that the provision of the antenna 100 is not limited to this.Alternatively, the antenna 100 can be provided on a lower part of theeyepiece part 11 or on a surface (lens surface) of the eyepiece part 11which surface faces the eye of a user. Alternatively, the antenna 100can be provided on a surface of the eyepiece part 11 which surface isopposite to the surface facing the user (outer lens surface). Note that,in a case where the antenna 100 is provided on the lens surface or onthe outer lens surface, the antenna 100 is preferably made of a materialsuch as a transparent electric conductor or a translucent material. In acase where a rim surrounds the eye piece part 11, the antenna 100 can beprovided (i) between the eyepiece part 11 and the rim 12 (ii) inside ofthe rim 12, or (iii) outside of the rim 12. It is thus only necessarythat the antenna 100 of Embodiment 1 is provided along the outer edge ofthe eyepiece part 11, and a material for the antenna 100 and a surface,on which the antenna 100 is provided, are therefore not particularlylimited.

The above description has dealt with an example in which theglasses-type radio communication device 1, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,includes the antenna 100 and the antenna 110. Note, however, that theconfiguration of the glasses-type radio communication device 1 is notlimited to this. That is, it is only necessary that one of the antenna100 and the antenna 110 is included. In this case, it is preferable thatone of the outer edge of the eyepiece part 11 and the temple 14 in whichno antenna 100 or no antenna 110 is provided, is made of an electricconductor such as a metal.

Specifically, in a case where the antenna 100 is provided in the rim 12or on the lens, the temple 14 is preferably made of an electricconductor. Alternatively, in a case where the antenna 110 is provided inthe temple 14, the glasses-type radio communication device 1 preferablyincludes the rim 12 which is made of an electric conductor. In thesecases, an antenna and the electric conductor can make electricconnection or no electric connection with each other, via the endpiece16 or the hinge 17.

In a case where (i) an antenna is thus provided in one of the temple 14or the rim 12 (the outer edge of the eyepiece part 11) and (ii) theother is thus made of an electric conductor, the other acts as anantenna ground for the antenna. In a case where the antenna and theantenna ground are caused to be close to each other in the glasses-typeradio communication device 1, a problem will be caused that antennacharacteristics deteriorate. In order to address such a problem, thetemple 14 is preferably provided to satisfy the foregoing inequalityD′>D.

This makes it possible to reduce, in a folded state, the capacitycoefficient C of the glasses-type radio communication device 1, andultimately allows a reduction, in a folded state, in amount ofcapacitive coupling between the antennas of the glasses-type radiocommunication device 1. This allows a reduction in amount of shift,which amount is generated by the shifting of antenna characteristics ofthe respective antennas toward a lower frequency or a higher frequencyas compared with that in an opening state. It is therefore possible toprevent a deterioration in antenna characteristics of the antennas 100and 110 in use frequency bands of the respective antennas 100 and 110,when the glasses-type radio communication device 1 is in a folded state.

Modification 1

The above description has dealt with the example in which the temple 14of the glasses-type radio communication device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1is provided so as to curve along a circle. Note, however, that the shapeof the temple 14 is not limited to this. Alternatively, the temple 14can be provided so as to be bent like a polygonal line, for example. Thefollowing description will discuss, with reference to FIG. 5, aglasses-type radio communication device 5 whose temples 14 are providedso as to be bent like a polygonal line.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a configuration of the glasses-type radiocommunication device 5 in accordance with Modification 1 ofEmbodiment 1. (a) of FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating theglasses-type radio communication device 5 which is in an opening state.(b) of FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the glasses-type radiocommunication device 5 which is in a folded state. (c) of FIG. 5 is atop view illustrating the glasses-type radio communication device 5which is in a folded state. Note that members such as eyepiece parts 11,rims 12, a bridge 13, end covers 15, endpieces 16, hinges 17, pads 18,and pad arms 19 each have configurations identical to those illustratedin FIG. 3. Note also that members having functions identical to those ofthe glasses-type radio communication device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 aregiven respective identical reference numerals and their description isomitted. It should be noted that, for convenience, a temple 14 on a leftside is not illustrated in FIG. 5. It should be also noted that FIG. 5will deal with a glasses-type radio communication device in which no rim12 is included. Note, however, that Modification 1 is not limited tothis. Alternatively, a glasses-type radio communication device can beconfigured to include rims 12.

The glasses-type radio communication device 5 includes an antenna 100and an antenna 110 each carrying out a radio communication (see FIG. 5).The antenna 100 is provided in an outer edge region along an outer edgeof one of the eyepiece part 11, which region is located on an upper partof the eyepiece part 11. The antenna 110 is provided in a correspondingone of temples 14′. An endpiece 16 is made of an electric conductor suchas metal. The antenna 100 and the antenna 110 are electrically connectedwith each other, via the endpiece 16. Note that the endpiece 16 and ahinge 17 do not necessarily have to electrically connect the antenna 100and the antenna 110.

The temple 14′ is provided so as to be bent between (i) one end of thetemple 14′ on an endpiece 16 side (a part connected to the endpiece 16,i.e., the hinge 17) and (ii) the other end of the temple 14 which isopposite to the end on the endpiece 16 side (an end of the end cover 15which is opposite to the other end on a hinge 17 side) such that thetemple 14′ is away from the antenna 100 in a folded state (see (c) ofFIG. 5). Specifically, the temple 14′ is bent so as to protrude towardsa Y axis positive direction from segment ab, where (i) an end a is theend of the end cover 15 which is opposite to the other end on the hinge17 side, (ii) and end b is the end of the temple 14 on the endpiece 16side, and (iii) the segment ab is a line connecting the end a the end b.This satisfies D<F, where D is a distance between the antenna 100 andthe segment ab and F is the distance between the eyepiece part 11 and aposition of the temple 14′ which is farthest from the antenna 100.

By thus providing the temples 14′, it is possible to reduce, in a foldedstate, a capacity coefficient C of the glasses-type radio communicationdevice 5. As such, it is possible to reduce, in a folded state, theamount of capacitive coupling between the antennas of the glasses-typeradio communication device 5. This allows a reduction in amount of ashift, which amount is generated by the shifting of antennacharacteristics of the respective antennas toward a lower frequency or ahigher frequency as compared with that in an opening state. It istherefore possible to prevent a deterioration in antenna characteristicsof the antennas 100 and 110 in use frequency bands of the respectiveantennas 100 and 110, when the glasses-type radio communication device 5is in a folded state.

Note that the temple 14 and the temple 14′ are not limited to be shapedto have an arc shape as illustrated in FIG. 1 and a bent shape like apolygonal line as illustrated in FIG. 5, respectively. The temple 14 andthe temple 14′ can have any shape, provided that they are curved so asto be away from the antenna 100 (the outer edge of the eyepiece part11).

Modification 2

The foregoing description has discussed the example in which, in thefolded state of the glasses-type radio communication device 1illustrated in FIG. 1, the distance W between the end cover 15 and theantenna 100 is equal to the depth T of the endpiece 16. Note, however,that the distance between the end cover 15 and the antenna 100 is notlimited to this. Alternatively, the distance W between the end cover 15and the antenna 100 can be shorter than the depth T of the endpiece 16(W<T).

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating a configuration of a glasses-typeradio communication device 6 in a folded state. Note that members suchas eyepiece parts 11, rims 12, a bridge 13, temples 14, end covers 15,endpieces 16, hinges 17, pads 18, and pad arms 19 each haveconfigurations identical to those illustrated in FIG. 3. Note also thatmembers having functions identical to those of the glasses-type radiocommunication device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 are given respectiveidentical reference numerals and their description is omitted. It shouldbe noted that, for convenience, a temple 14 on a left side is notillustrated in FIG. 6.

The glasses-type radio communication device 6 includes an antenna 100and an antenna 110 each carrying out a radio communication (see FIG. 6).The antenna 100 is provided in an outer edge region along an outer edgeof one of the eyepiece part 11, which region is located on an upper partof the eyepiece part 11. The antenna 110 is provided in a correspondingone of the temples 14. An endpiece 16 is made of an electric conductorsuch as metal. The antenna 100 and the antenna 110 are electricallyconnected with each other, via the endpiece 16. Note that the endpiece16 and a hinge 17 do not necessarily have to electrically connect theantenna 100 and the antenna 110.

The temple 14 is provided so as to curve along a circle such that thetemple 14 is away from the antenna 100 in a folded state (see FIG. 6).The temple 14 is provided so as to form a convex curve towards a Y axispositive direction from segment ab, where the segment ab is a line whichis parallel to the antenna 100 and passes an end b, which is one end ofthe temple 14 on the endpiece 16 side. That is, D<F where D is adistance between the antenna 100 and the segment ab and F is a distancebetween the antenna 100 and a position of the temple 14 which isfarthest from the eyepiece part 11. Since the distance D is equal to thedepth T of the endpiece 16, D=T.

Note that the end cover 15 is provided such that a distance between (i)its end opposite to the other end on an endpiece 16 side and (ii) theantenna 100 is shorter than a depth of the endpiece 16. Specifically,the end cover 15 is provided so that W<T, where W is the distancebetween the end cover 15 and the antenna 100 in a folded state.

An average distance D′ can be represented, as explained with referenceto FIG. 4, as D′=S/L, where D′ is a distance between the antenna 100 andthe antenna 110, that is, an average of a distance between points on anouter edge region of the eyepiece part 11 and the temple 14 itself.Here, as shown in FIG. 4, S is an area of a region surrounded by theendpiece 16, the temple 14, and the antenna 100, and L is a length of anoverlapping part in which the antenna 100 and the antenna 110 overlapwhen the glasses-type radio communication device 6 is in a folded state(amount of overlapping of the antenna 100 and the antenna 110 in an Xaxis direction).

The average distance D′ needs to be longer than the distance D for thepurpose of reducing a capacity coefficient C between the antenna 100 andthe antenna 110. Thus, D′>D. That is, in the glasses-type radiocommunication device 6, each of the temples 14 needs to be provided soas to have a shape which satisfies D′>D.

Even though the glasses-type radio communication device 6 is configuredsuch that a distance between the end cover 15 (temple 14) and theantenna 100 is shorter than a depth of the endpiece 16, it is possibleto reduce the capacity coefficient C of the glasses-type radiocommunication device 6 in a folded state, by providing the temple 14such that an average of a distance between (i) respective points on theantenna 100 and (ii) respective points on the temple 14 is longer than adistance between an end of the temple 14 on the endpiece 16 side and theeyepiece part 11 (a depth of the endpiece 16). It is therefore possibleto prevent a deterioration in antenna characteristics of the antennas100 and 110 in use frequency bands of the respective antennas 100 and110, when the glasses-type radio communication device 6 is in a foldedstate.

Modification 3

The foregoing description has discussed the example in which, in thefolded state of the glasses-type radio communication device 6illustrated in FIG. 6, the distance W between the end cover 15 and theantenna 100 is equal to the depth T of the endpiece 16. Note, however,that the distance W between the end cover 15 and the antenna 100 can belonger than the depth T of the endpiece 16 (W>T).

FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a configuration of a glasses-typeradio communication device 7 in a folded state. Note that members suchas eyepiece parts 11, rims 12, a bridge 13, temples 14, end covers 15,endpieces 16, hinges 17, pads 18, and pad arms 19 each haveconfigurations identical to those illustrated in FIG. 3. Note also thatmembers having functions identical to those of the glasses-type radiocommunication device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 are givenrespective identical reference numerals and their description isomitted. It should be noted that, for convenience, a temple 14 on a leftside is omitted in FIG. 7.

The glasses-type radio communication device 7 includes an antenna 100and an antenna 110 each carrying out a radio communication (see FIG. 7).The antenna 100 is provided in an outer edge region along an outer edgeof one of the eyepiece parts 11, which region is located on an upperpart of the eyepiece part 11. The antenna 110 is provided in acorresponding one of the temples 14. An endpiece 16 is made of anelectric conductor such as metal. The antenna 100 and the antenna 110are electrically connected with each other, via the endpiece 16. Notealso that the endpiece 16 and a hinge 17 do not necessarily have toelectrically connect the antenna 100 and the antenna 110.

The temple 14 is provided so as to curve along a circle such that thetemple 14 is away from the antenna 100 in a folded state (see FIG. 7).The temple 14 is provided so as to form a convex curve towards a Y axispositive direction from segment ab, where the segment ab is a line whichis parallel to the antenna 100 and passes an end b, which is one end ofthe temple 14 on the endpiece 16 side. That is, D<F where D is adistance between the antenna 100 and the segment ab and F is a distancebetween the antenna 100 and a position of the temple 14 which isfarthest from the eyepiece part 11. Since the distance D is equal to thedepth T of the endpiece 16, D=T.

Note that the end cover 15 is provided such that a distance between (i)its end opposite to the other end on an endpiece 16 side and (ii) theeyepiece part 11 is longer than a depth of the endpiece 16.Specifically, the end cover 15 provided so that W>T, where W is thedistance between the end of the end cover 15 and the eyepiece part 11 ina folded state.

An average distance D′ can be represented, as explained with referenceto FIG. 4, as D′=S/L, where D′ is a distance between the antenna 100 andthe antenna 110, that is, an average of distance between points on anouter edge region of the eyepiece part 11 and the temple 14 itself.Here, as shown in FIG. 4, S is an area of a region surrounded by theendpiece 16, the temple 14, and the antenna 100, and L is a length of anoverlapping part in which the antenna 100 and the antenna 110 overlapwhen the glasses-type radio communication device 7 is in a folded state(amount of overlapping in an X axis direction).

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the average distance D′ is longer than thedistance D in the glasses-type radio communication device 7. That is,D′>D. According to the glasses-type radio communication device 7, whichis configured such that a distance between the end cover 15 (temple 14)and the antenna 100 is longer than the depth of the endpiece 16, thetemple 14 is provided such that an average of a distance between (i)respective points on the antenna 100 and (ii) respective points on thetemple 14 is longer than a distance between an end of the temple 14 onan endpiece 16 side (the hinge 17) and the eyepiece part 11 (the depthof the endpiece 16) it is possible to reduce a capacity coefficient C ofthe glasses-type radio communication device 7 in a folded state. It istherefore possible to prevent a deterioration in antenna characteristicsof the antennas 100 and 110 in use frequency bands of the respectiveantennas 100 and 110, when the glasses-type radio communication device 7is in a folded state.

As has been described, a glasses-type radio communication device is aglasses-type radio communication device to be worn on the head of auser, including: left and right eyepiece parts 11; temples 14 eachprovided to be hooked on the ears of the user; an antenna 100 or 110 forcarrying out a radio communication; and hinges 17 each provided forfolding each of the temples 14 towards a corresponding one of theeyepiece parts 11. Here, each of the hinges 17 is located at an end of acorresponding temple 14 on an endpiece 16 side and is a mechanism forfolding the temple 14 towards the corresponding eyepiece part 11. Notethat the hinges 17 can be made of an electric conductor so as toelectrically connect the endpiece 16 and the temple 14. Either (i) anantenna is provided in an outer edge region along an outer edge of oneof the eyepiece parts 11 (for example, a rim 12) and an antenna isprovided in a corresponding one of the temples 14 (the antenna 100 andthe antenna 110 are provided) or (ii) an antenna (the antenna 100 or theantenna 110) is provided in one of (a) the outer edge region along theouter edge of the eyepiece part 11 and (b) the temple 14, whereas anelectric conductor is provided in the other. While the temple 14 isbeing folded towards the eyepiece part 11, the temple 14 has a shape inwhich the temple 14 curves so as to be away from the antenna 100 or theelectric conductor provided in the outer edge region.

According to the glasses-type radio communication device including theantenna, each of (i) the outer edge region along the outer edge of theeyepiece part 11 and (ii) the temple 14 is provided with the antenna orthe electric conductor. Hence, in a case where a radio communication iscarried out while the temple 14 is being folded towards the eyepiecepart 11, (i) the antenna 100 or the electric conductor provided in theouter edge region along the outer edge of the eyepiece part 11 and (ii)the temple 14, interfere with each other and are capacitively coupledwith each other.

However, with the configuration, the temple 14 is provided to have ashape in which it curves so as to be away from the outer edge region.This allows an increase in distance between the temple 14 and the outeredge region, as compared with a case where the temple 14 is not curved.This makes it possible to reduce the amount of capacitive coupling.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an amount of shift of antennacharacteristics towards a lower frequency or a higher frequency, ascompared with that in a state where the eyepiece part 11 and the temple14 are away from each other (in a state where the eyepiece part 11 andthe temple 14 are not folded). This makes it possible to prevent, whilethe temple 14 is being folded towards the eyepiece part 11, adeterioration in antenna characteristics in a use frequency band of theantenna(s) of the glasses-type radio communication device.

Note that the term “curve” in this specification means “bow”. Examplesof the term encompass a curved line and a polygonal line.

The glasses-type radio communication device according to the presentembodiment is preferably configured such that an average distance (anaverage distance D′), indicative of an average of a distance between (i)the temple 14 itself and (ii) points on the antenna 100 or the electricconductor provided in the outer edge region, is longer than a distance Dbetween a corresponding one of the hinges 17 (an end of the temple 14 onthe endpiece 16 side) and the antenna 100 or the electric conductorprovided in the outer edge region (D′>D).

With the configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount ofcapacitive coupling between (i) the temple 14 and (ii) the antenna 100or the electric conductor provided in the outer edge region, as comparedwith the amount of capacitive coupling, in a case where the temple 14 isprovided such that the average distance, which is an average of adistance between the temple 14 itself and points on the antenna 100 orthe electric conductor, is equal to the distance between (i) the hinge17 and (ii) the antenna 100 or the electric conductor provided in theouter edge region (that is, in a case where the temple 14 is provided tosatisfy D=D′). This makes it possible to more suitably prevent, while atemple is being folded towards the eyepiece part 11, a deterioration inantenna characteristics in a use frequency band of the antenna of theglasses-type radio communication device.

Further, the temple 14 is preferably configured such that, while thetemple 14 is being folded towards the corresponding one of the eyepieceparts 11, the temple 14 has the shape in which the temple curves in sucha direction as to extend from the corresponding one of the eyepieceparts towards the user.

With the configuration, it is possible to increase, while the temple 14is being folded towards the eyepiece part 11, a distance between (i) thetemple 14 and (ii) the antenna 100 or the electric conductor provided inan outer edge region along the outer edge of the eyepiece part 11. Thismakes it possible to reduce, while the temple 14 is being folded towardsthe eyepiece part 11, the amount of capacitive coupling between thetemple 14 and the antenna 100 or the electric conductor provided in theouter edge region. Accordingly, it is possible to more suitably preventa deterioration in antenna characteristics in a use frequency band ofthe antenna of the glasses-type radio communication device.

While the temple 14 is being folded towards the eyepiece part 11, thedistance D between the hinge 17 and the antenna 100 can be, (i) shorterthan the distance W between one end of the temple 14 opposite to theother end on a hinge 17 side (the end a in FIG. 11 and the antenna 100,like the glasses-type radio communication device 7, (ii) equal to thedistance W, like the glasses-type radio communication device 1 in FIG.1, or (iii) longer than the distance W, like the glasses-type radiocommunication device 6 in FIG. 6.

Even though the end of the temple 14 opposite to the other end on thehinge 17 side is provided so as to be located in any position, it ispossible to more suitably prevent a deterioration in antennacharacteristics, by providing the temple 14 to have a shape in which itcurves so as to be away from the antenna 100 provided in the outer edgeregion.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 1 has discussed a case where the temple 14 is provided so asto curve, in a folded state, in such a direction as to extend from theantenna 100 towards a user. Note, however, that the glasses-type radiocommunication device of the present invention is not limited to this.Alternatively, the temple 14 can be provided so as to curve, forexample, in a Z axis direction in FIG. 1.

Another embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present invention will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 8. Note that, for convenience,members having functions identical to those illustrated in the drawingsfor Embodiment 1 are given respective identical reference numerals andtheir description is omitted. Note also that members such as eyepieceparts 11, rims 12, a bridge 13, temples 14, end covers 15, endpieces 16,hinges 17, pads 18, and pad arms 19 have configurations identical tothose illustrated in FIG. 1.

(Configuration of Glasses-Type Radio Communication Device 8)

Next, a configuration of a glasses-type radio communication device 8will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. (a) of FIG. 8 is afront perspective view illustrating the glasses-type radio communicationdevice 8 in a case where it is in an opening state (opening state) (atemple 14 and a corresponding eyepiece part 11 are away from eachother). (b) of FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating theglasses-type radio communication device which is viewed, in an openingstate, from a side opposite to that of (a) of FIG. 8 (viewed in a Y axispositive direction), that is, a perspective view which is viewed from auser's side. (c) of FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the glasses-typeradio communication device 8 which is viewed, in a folded state (in astate where the temple 14 and the corresponding eyepiece part 11 areclose to each other), from the user's side (viewed in the Y axispositive direction) (folded state). Note that, for convenience, theother temple 14 is not illustrated in FIG. 8. Note also that FIG. 8deals with a glasses-type radio communication device in which the rims12 are provided on an upper part of the eyepiece parts 11. Note,however, that Embodiment 2 is not limited to this. Alternatively, theglasses-type radio communication device can be configured so as to (i)include rims 12 provided on respective outer edges of the eyepiece parts11 or (ii) include no rim 12.

The glasses-type radio communication device 8 includes an antenna 100and an antenna 110 each carrying out a radio communication (see FIG. 8).As illustrated in FIG. 8, the antenna 100 is provided in a rim 12 whichis on an upper part of the eyepiece part 11. The antenna 110 is providedin the temple 14. An endpiece 16 is made of an electric conductor. Theantenna 100 and the antenna 110 are electrically connected with eachother, via the endpiece 16. Note that the endpiece 16 and a hinge 17 donot necessarily have to electrically connect the antenna 100 and theantenna 110.

The temple 14 is provided so as to curve along a circle between (i) oneend of the temple 14 on an endpiece 16 side (a part connected to theendpiece 16, i.e., the hinge 17) and (ii) the other end of the temple 14which is opposite to the end on the endpiece 16 side (an end of an endcover 15 which is opposite to the other end on a hinge 17 side) suchthat the temple 14 is away from the antenna 100 in a folded state (see(c) of FIG. 8). Specifically, the temple 14 is provided to satisfy D<F(see FIG. 8) where D is a distance between a part that connects thetemple 14 to the endpiece 16 (an end of the temple 14 on the endpiece 16side) and the antenna 100 and F is a distance between the antenna 100and a position of the temple 14 which is farthest from the antenna 100.

An average distance D′ can be represented, as explained with referenceto FIG. 4, as D′=S/L, where D′ is a distance between the antenna 100 andthe antenna 110, that is, an average of a distance between points on anouter edge region of the eyepiece part 11 and the temple 14 itself.Here, S is an area of a region surrounded by the endpiece 16, the temple14, and the antenna 100, and L is a length of an overlapping part inwhich the antenna 100 and the antenna 110 overlap when the glasses-typeradio communication device 8 is in a folded state (amount of overlappingof the antenna 100 and the antenna 110 in an Z axis direction).

The average distance D′ needs to be longer than the distance D for thepurpose of reducing a capacity coefficient C between the antenna 100 andthe antenna 110. Thus, D′>D. That is, in the glasses-type radiocommunication device 8, each of the temples 14 needs to be provided soas to have a shape which satisfies D′>D.

Embodiment 2 has discussed the example in which the temple 14 isprovided so as to curve, in a folded state, downward of the eyepiecepart 11 from the antenna 100 (in a Z axis positive direction). Note,however, that Embodiment 2 is not limited to this. Alternatively, thetemple 14 can be provided so as to curve, in a folded state, upward ofthe eyepiece part 11 from the antenna 100 (in a Z axis negativedirection). For example, in a case of a glasses-type radio communicationdevice in which rims 12 each of which is provided on a lower part of acorresponding eyepiece part 11 are included and an antenna 100 isprovided in one of the rims 12, the temple 14 can be provided so as to(i) curve, in a folded state, upward of the eyepiece part 11 from theantenna 100 (in the Z axis negative direction) or (ii) curve, in afolded state, downward of the eyepiece part 11 from the antenna 100 (inthe Z axis positive direction) in a folded state.

Note, however, that a shift amount of antenna characteristics can bemore reduced, by providing the temple 14 in such a direction (in the Zaxis positive direction in the case of FIG. 8) that the antenna 100curves towards a region where no antenna or no electric conductor isprovided (the lower part of the eyepiece part 11 in the case of FIG. 8)

The glasses-type radio communication device 8 in accordance withEmbodiment 2 can be configured so that (i) an outer edge region (the rim121 of the eyepiece part 11 includes a region where no antenna 100 or noelectric conductor is provided and (ii) the temple 14 is provided insuch a direction as to curve, while the temple 14 is being foldedtowards the eyepiece part 11, from the region, in which the antenna 100of or the electric conductor of the rim 12 is provided, towards theregion in which no antenna 100 or no electric conductor is provided (inthe Z axis positive direction in the case of FIG. 8).

This makes it possible to reduce a capacity coefficient C of theglasses-type radio communication device 8 in a folded state. It istherefore possible to suitably prevent a deterioration in antennacharacteristics of the antennas 100 and 110 in use frequency bands ofthe respective antennas 110 and 110, when the glasses-type radiocommunication device 8 is in a folded state.

Note that Embodiment 2 has dealt with an example in which the temple 14is provided so as to curve, in a folded state, in the Z axis positivedirection, in a case where the antenna 100 is provided on the upper sideof the rim 12. However, the temple 14 is not limited to this.Alternatively, for example, the temple 14 can be provided so as toincline from the Z axis positive direction towards a user (in a Y axispositive direction). That is, it is only necessary that the temple 14 isprovided, in a folded state, in such a direction as to be away from theregion, in the outer edge region, where the antenna or the conductor isprovided. This makes it possible to suitably prevent a deterioration inantenna characteristics in the use frequency bands of the respectiveantennas of the glasses-type radio communication device 8.

SUMMARY

As has been described, a glasses-type radio communication device inaccordance with the present invention is a glasses-type radiocommunication device to be worn on the head of a user, including: leftand right eyepiece parts; temples each provided to be hooked on the earsof the user; an antenna(s) for carrying out a radio communication; andhinges each provided for folding each of the temples towards acorresponding one of the eyepiece parts, either (i) an antenna beingprovided in an outer edge region along an outer edge of one of theeyepiece parts and an antenna being provided in a corresponding one ofthe temples or (ii) an antenna being provided in one of (a) the outeredge region along the outer edge of the eyepiece part and (b) thetemple, whereas an electric conductor being provided in the other, whilethe temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, the temple havinga shape in which the temple curves so as to be away from the antenna orthe electric conductor provided in the outer edge region.

According to the eyeglasses-type radio communication device includingthe antenna, each of (i) the outer edge region along the outer edge ofthe eyepiece part and (ii) the temple is provided with the antenna orthe electric conductor. Hence, in a case where a radio communication iscarried out while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part,(i) the antenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edgeregion along the outer edge of the eyepiece part and (ii) the temple,interfere with each other and are capacitively coupled with each other.

However, with the configuration, the temple is provided to have a shapein which it curves so as to be away from the outer edge region. Thisallows an increase in distance between the temple and the outer edgeregion, as compared with a case where the temple is not curved. Thismakes it possible to reduce the amount of capacitive coupling.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an amount of shift of antennacharacteristics towards a lower frequency or a higher frequency, ascompared with that in a state where the eyepiece part and the temple areaway from each other (in a state where the eyepiece part and the templeare not folded). This makes it possible to prevent, while the temple isbeing folded towards the eyepiece part, a deterioration in the antennacharacteristics in a use frequency band of the antenna(s) of theglasses-type radio communication device.

The glasses-type radio communication device is preferably configuredsuch that an average distance, indicative of an average of a distancebetween (i) the temple itself and (ii) points on the antenna or theelectric conductor provided in the outer edge region, is longer than adistance between a corresponding one of the hinges and the antenna orthe electric conductor provided in the outer edge region.

With the configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount ofcapacitive coupling between (i) the temple and (ii) the antenna or theelectric conductor provided in the outer edge region, as compared withthe amount of capacitive coupling, in a case where the temple isprovided such that the average distance, which is an average of adistance between the temple itself and points on the antenna or theelectric conductor, is equal to the distance between (i) the hinge 17and (ii) the antenna 100 or the electric conductor provided in the outeredge region. This makes it possible to more suitably prevent, while thetemple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, a deterioration inantenna characteristics in a use frequency band of the antenna of theglasses-type radio communication device.

The glasses-type radio communication device is preferably configuredsuch that, while the temple is being folded towards the correspondingone of the eyepiece parts, the temple has the shape in which the templecurves in such a direction as to extend from the corresponding one ofthe eyepiece parts towards the user.

With the configuration, it is possible to increase, while the temple isbeing folded towards the eyepiece part, a distance between (i) thetemple and (ii) the antenna, or the electric conductor provided in anouter edge region along the outer edge of the eyepiece part. This makesit possible to reduce, while the temple is being folded towards theeyepiece part, the amount of capacitive coupling between the temple andthe antenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edge region.Accordingly, it is possible to more suitably prevent a deterioration inantenna characteristics in a use frequency band of the antenna of theglasses-type radio communication device.

The glasses-type radio communication device can be configured such thatthe outer edge region includes a region in which no antenna or noelectric conductor is provided, and the temple has a shape in which itcurves, while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, insuch a direction as to extend from the region, in which the antenna orthe electric conductor in the outer edge region is provided, towards theregion in which no antenna or no electric conductor is provided.

By thus providing the temple, while the temple is being folded towardsthe eyepiece part, in such a direction as to be away from the region, inthe outer edge region, where the antenna or the conductor is provided,it is possible to suitably prevent a deterioration in antennacharacteristics in a use frequency band of the antenna of theglasses-type radio communication device.

The glasses-type radio communication device can be configured such that,while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, the distancebetween the hinge and the antenna or the electric conductor provided inthe outer edge region is (a) shorter than, (b) equal to, or (c) longerthan a distance between (i) an end of the temple which end is oppositeto its other end on a hinge side and (ii) the antenna or the electricconductor provided in the outer edge region.

Even though the end of the temple opposite to the other end on the hingeside is provided so as to be located in any position, it is possible tomore suitably prevent a deterioration in antenna characteristics, byforming the temple to have a shape in which it curves so as to be awayfrom the antenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edgeregion.

The present invention is not limited to the descriptions of therespective embodiments, but may be altered within the scope of theclaims. An embodiment derived from a proper combination of technicalmeans disclosed in different embodiments is also encompassed in thetechnical scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to the field of manufacturing aproduct such as a pair of three dimensional eyeglasses, a pair ofeyeglasses for games, a head mount display, a headset, a radio receiver,or a personal identification device.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1, 5, 6, 7, 8 Glasses-type radio communication device-   11 Eyepiece part-   12 Rim-   13 Bridge-   14, 14′ Temple-   15 End cover-   16 Endpiece-   17 Hinge-   18 Pad-   19 Pad arms-   100 Antenna-   110 Antenna

1. A glasses-type radio communication device to be worn on the head of auser, comprising: left and right eyepiece parts; temples each providedto be hooked on the ears of the user; an antenna(s) for carrying out aradio communication; and hinges each provided for folding each of thetemples towards a corresponding one of the eyepiece parts, either (i) anantenna being provided in an outer edge region along an outer edge ofone of the eyepiece parts and an antenna being provided in acorresponding one of the temples or (ii) an antenna being provided inone of (a) the outer edge region along the outer edge of the eyepiecepart and (b) the temple, whereas an electric conductor being provided inthe other, while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part,the temple having a shape in which the temple curves so as to be awayfrom the antenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edgeregion.
 2. The glasses-type radio communication device as set forth inclaim 1, wherein: an average distance, indicative of an average of adistance between (i) the temple itself and (ii) points on the antenna orthe electric conductor provided in the outer edge region, is longer thana distance between a corresponding one of the hinges and the antenna orthe electric conductor provided in the outer edge region.
 3. Theglasses-type radio communication device as set forth in claim 1 wherein:while the temple is being folded towards the corresponding one of theeyepiece parts, the temple has the shape in which the temple curves insuch a direction as to extend from the corresponding one of the eyepieceparts towards the user.
 4. The glasses-type radio communication deviceas set forth in claim 1, wherein: the outer edge region includes aregion in which no antenna or no electric conductor is provided, and thetemple has a shape in which it curves, while the temple is being foldedtowards the eyepiece part, in such a direction as to extend from theregion, in which the antenna or the electric conductor in the outer edgeregion is provided, towards the region in which no antenna or noelectric conductor is provided.
 5. The glasses-type radio communicationdevice as set forth in claim 1, wherein: while the temple is beingfolded towards the eyepiece part, the distance between the hinge and theantenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edge region isshorter than a distance between (i) an end of the temple which end isopposite to its other end on a hinge side and (ii) the antenna or theelectric conductor provided in the outer edge region.
 6. Theglasses-type radio communication device as set forth in claim 1,wherein: while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, thedistance between the hinge and the antenna or the electric conductorprovided in the outer edge region is equal to or longer than thedistance between (i) an end of the temple which end is opposite to itsother end on a hinge side and (ii) the antenna or the electric conductorprovided in the outer edge region.
 7. The glasses-type radiocommunication device as set forth in claim 2 wherein: while the templeis being folded towards the corresponding one of the eyepiece parts, thetemple has the shape in which the temple curves in such a direction asto extend from the corresponding one of the eyepiece parts towards theuser, the outer edge region includes a region in which no antenna or noelectric conductor is provided, the temple has a shape in which itcurves, while the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, insuch a direction as to extend from the region, in which the antenna orthe electric conductor in the outer edge region is provided, towards theregion in which no antenna or no electric conductor is provided, andwhile the temple is being folded towards the eyepiece part, the distancebetween the hinge and the antenna or the electric conductor provided inthe outer edge region is shorter than a distance between (i) an end ofthe temple which end is opposite to its other end on a hinge side and(ii) the antenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edgeregion.
 8. The glasses-type radio communication device as set forth inclaim 2 wherein: while the temple is being folded towards thecorresponding one of the eyepiece parts, the temple has the shape inwhich the temple curves in such a direction as to extend from thecorresponding one of the eyepiece parts towards the user, the outer edgeregion includes a region in which no antenna or no electric conductor isprovided, the temple has a shape in which it curves, while the temple isbeing folded towards the eyepiece part, in such a direction as to extendfrom the region, in which the antenna or the electric conductor in theouter edge region is provided, towards the region in which no antenna orno electric conductor is provided, and while the temple is being foldedtowards the eyepiece part, the distance between the hinge and theantenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edge region isequal to or longer than the distance between (i) an end of the templewhich end is opposite to its other end on a hinge side and (ii) theantenna or the electric conductor provided in the outer edge region.